JP2022509177A - Methods and packaging equipment for forming sealed packages - Google Patents

Abstract

At least the step of forming the tube (3) from the web (4) of the packaging material and the step of filling the tube (3) with an injectable product to form the product column (8) in the tube (3). And, in order to form and / or maintain the gas cushion (10) in the product column (8), a step of directing a sterilizing gas into the product column (8) between the forming step and the filling step. And a method for forming a sealed package (2) filled with an injectable product, including. [Selection diagram] Fig. 2

Description

The present invention is for forming a sealed package, specifically a sealed package filled with an injectable product, more specifically a filled with an injectable food product. Regarding the method.

The present invention is for forming a sealed package, specifically a sealed package filled with an injectable product, more specifically a filled with an injectable food product. Regarding packaging equipment.

As is known, many liquid or injectable food products such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature heat treated) milk, grape liquor, tomato sauce, etc. are sold in packages made from pasteurized packaging materials. There is.

A typical example is a parallelepiped shaped package for liquid or injectable food products known as Tetra Brik Assetic®, which seals the laminated strip package material. Created by folding. The packaging material has a multi-layer structure that includes a heat-fused plastic material, such as a base layer covered on both sides with a layer of polyethylene, such as paper. For sterile packages for long-term storage products such as UHT milk, the packaging material also includes a layer of oxygen blocking material, such as aluminum foil, which is layered on top of a layer of heat-fused plastic material and then finally. Covered with another layer of heat-fused plastic material that forms the inner surface of the package that comes into contact with the food product.

This type of package is generally produced in fully automated packaging equipment, where fully automated packaging equipment uses, for example, chemical sterilization (eg, by applying a chemical sterilizer such as hydrogen peroxide solution) or physical sterilization. Advance the web of package material through the sterilization unit of the packaging device (eg using an electron beam) to sterilize the web of package material. The sterilized web of packaging material is then maintained and advanced in an isolation chamber (closed sterilization environment), folded to form a tube and sealed longitudinally, and the tube is longitudinally sealed. Further sent.

To complete the formation operation, the tubes are continuously filled with sterile or sterilized injectable food products, sealed laterally, and then packaged while advancing along the vertical forward direction. Cut along lateral sections of equal spacing within the packaging unit of the device.

Pillow packages are thus obtained within the packaging device, and each pillow package has a longitudinal sealing band as well as a top lateral sealing band and a bottom lateral sealing band.

A more typical packaging device is a transport device for advancing the web of package material along a forward path, a sterilization unit for sterilizing the web of package material, and a portion of the package material placed in an isolation chamber. To form a tube from the advancing web and continuously fill the tube with an injectable product with a tube forming device adapted to longitudinally seal the tube along the longitudinal seam of the tube. Fits to produce a single package from a tube of packaging material, by forming a package, laterally sealing and laterally cutting, with a filling pipe that is placed coaxially with the tube during use. Includes a packaged unit.

The packaging unit comprises a plurality of actuating and anti-acting assemblies, each advancing along its respective actuating path parallel to the advancing path of the tube in use. During the advance of the actuated and anti-actuated assemblies, they begin to interact with the tube in the hit position, forming the tube to obtain a single package, laterally sealing and advancing to cut laterally. Follow the tube.

In order to form a single package accurately, the hydrostatic pressure provided by the product that can be injected into the tube should be high enough, as otherwise an irregularly shaped package would be obtained. be.

Typically, the injectable product column present in the tube to provide the required hydrostatic pressure is from the hit position (ie the station where each actuated and anti-actuated assembly begins to contact the advancing tube). It extends upward by at least 500 mm. In some cases, the injectable product column extends up to 2000 mm above the hit position. It is known in the art that the exact extension depends at least on the type of package and the rate of production.

In fact, this means that the tube must have an extension to provide the required injectable product column within the tube.

Therefore, the vertical extension of the isolation chamber of the packaging device must rather be elevated to provide the required level of product that can be injected into the tube.

The hydrostatic pressure required depends on the web advance speed of the packaging material and, accordingly, the production parameters such as the tube advance speed (in other words, this depends on the processing speed of the packaging equipment), the package type and the package capacity. .. This means that if any production parameters change, one or more operators will need to modify the packaging equipment accordingly. The necessary modifications are time consuming and therefore increase production costs.

Further improvements in packaging equipment are needed in this area. Specifically, it overcomes at least one of the above disadvantages.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide improved packaging equipment and improved methods in a simple and low cost manner for producing packages.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the present invention, the method and the packaging apparatus according to the independent claims are provided.

A more convenient embodiment of the method and packaging device according to the invention is specified in the dependent claims.

Non-restrictive embodiments of the invention are described as examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It is the schematic of the package apparatus by this invention which removed the part for the sake of clarity. It is an enlarged view of the detail of the package apparatus of FIG. 1 from which the component was removed for the sake of clarity.

Number 1 is a sealed injectable food product, specifically a pasteurized and / or pasteurized injectable food product such as pasteurized milk or fruit juice, which can be injected through tube 3 of the web 4 of the packaging material. The packaging device for producing the package 2 is shown as a whole. Specifically, at the time of use, the tube 3 extends along the longitudinal axis L, specifically the axis L having a vertical orientation.

The web 4 of the packaging material has a multi-layer structure (not shown) of at least one layer of fiber material, such as paper or paperboard layer, and at least two layers of heat-fused plastic material, eg, fiber material between each other. Contains polyethylene that sandwiches the layers. One of these two layers of heat-fused plastic material defines the inner surface of the package 2 that will eventually come into contact with the injectable product.

Although not required, preferably, the web 4 also includes a layer of gas and light blocking material, such as aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, specifically one of the layers of heat-fused plastic material and the fibrous material. Placed between layers. Although not required, preferably, the web 4 also includes an additional layer of heat-fused plastic material sandwiched between a layer of gas and light blocking material and a layer of fibrous material.

A typical package 2 acquired by the packaging device 1 is a sealed longitudinal seam and a pair of lateral seals, specifically a top lateral seal and a bottom lateral seal (ie, package 2). Includes one seal at the top and another seal at the bottom of Package 2.

Specifically referring to FIG. 1, the packaged apparatus 1 is at least
-A tube forming and sealing device 5 configured to form a tube 3 from a web 4 specifically at a tube forming station 6 and seal the tube 3 in the longitudinal direction.
-A filling device 7 configured to direct an injectable product into the tube 3 in order to obtain a product column 8 in the tube 3.
-Sterilizing gas, specifically sterilizing inert gas, and more specifically sterilizing nitrogen, specifically in the product column 8 so that the gas cushion 10 is formed and / or maintained in the product column 8. With a gas supply device 9 configured to continuously orient while forming and filling the tube 3 (ie, during the operation of the filling device 7 and the tube forming and sealing device 5).
including.

Specifically, the gas cushion 10 is placed on a roll of product columns that is optionally extended to a known packaging device.

Specifically, the gas cushion 10 divides the product column 8 into a first (upper) portion 8a and a second (lower) portion 8b.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the first portion 8a defines a seal of bactericidal gas within the gas cushion 10 and / or the gas cushion 10.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the packaging apparatus 1 advances the web 4 (in a manner known as such) from the host station 15 specifically to the tube forming station 6 along the web advance path P. Also included is at least one transfer device 14 configured to allow the tube 3 and specifically any intermediate of the tube 3 to advance along the tube advance path Q (in a manner known as such). ..

Specifically, in the wording of the intermediate of the tube 3, any configuration of the web 4 means before acquiring the tube structure and after initiating the folding of the web 4 by the tube forming and sealing device 5. In other words, the intermediate of the tube 3 specifically superimposes the first edge of the web 4 and the second edge of the web 4 on the opposite side of the first edge to the tube 3. It is caused by gradually folding the web 4 to acquire.

According to the preferred non-limiting embodiment disclosed, the first portion 8a is located upstream of the gas cushion 10 along the path Q and the second portion 8b is located downstream of the gas cushion 10 along the path Q. Will be done.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the packaging device 1 also includes an isolation chamber 16 having an internal environment 17, specifically sterile and separated from the external environment 18 by an isolation chamber 16. Specifically, the internal environment 17 contains a sterilizing gas, specifically sterilizing air, and the sterilizing air is preferably pressurized so that the pressure in the internal environment 17 is higher than the ambient pressure, although it is not essential.

Although not required, preferably, at least a portion of the tube forming and sealing device 5 is placed in the isolation chamber 16 so as to form the tube 3 in the isolation chamber 16, specifically under bactericidal conditions ( That is, the tube forming station 6 is positioned in the isolation chamber 16).

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the packaging device 1 forms a tube 3 that advances in use to form the package 2, seals laterally, and is not essential but preferably laterally cut. Also included is the adapted packaging unit 19.

Although not required, preferably, the transport device 14 is configured to advance the web 4 into the isolation chamber 16 through at least a portion of the isolation chamber 16.

Although not required, preferably, the transport device 14 is configured to advance the tube 3 through at least a portion of the isolation chamber 16 into the package forming unit 19 and through at least a portion of the package forming unit 19. ..

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the packaging device 1 is physically sterilized (eg, electromagnetic radiation, electron beam irradiation, gamma ray irradiation, beta beam irradiation, ultraviolet light, etc.) or chemical sterilization (eg, hydrogen peroxide solution) at a sterilization station. It also includes a sterilization unit (not shown, and so known) configured to sterilize the web 4 advancing in use using a row (with vaporized hydrogen peroxide). Specifically, the sterilization station is located upstream of the tube forming station 6 along the path P. In other words, the sterilization unit is configured to sterilize the web 4 before it enters the isolation chamber 16 during use.

Although not required, preferably, the tube forming and sealing device 5 is located at least in part, preferably in whole, in the isolation chamber 16, specifically in the tube forming station 6, and is a longitudinally sealed seam of the tube 3. In order to form 21, the web 4 that advances during use is adapted (configured) to gradually fold into the tube 3 by specifically overlapping the first and second edges with each other. ), The tube forming unit 20 is included.

Although not essential, preferably, the tube forming unit 20 extends along the longitudinal axis M and specifically has a vertical orientation.

Specifically, the seam 21 extends downward along the path Q from the initial level (not specifically shown). In other words, the initial level is where the first and second edges begin to overlap each other to form the seam 21.

Specifically, at least a part of the route Q is in the isolation chamber 16 (specifically, in the internal environment 17).

More specifically, the axes L and M are parallel to each other. More specifically, the tube forming unit 20 defines the axis L of the tube 3 during use.

Although not required, preferably, the tube forming unit 20 is specifically located in the isolation chamber 16 (specifically in the internal environment 17) and cooperates with each other to gradually fold the web 4 into the tube 3. Includes at least two forming ring assemblies 22 that are adapted as such.

In the particular case shown, one forming ring assembly 22 is located downstream of the other forming ring assembly 22 along the path Q.

Specifically, each of the forming ring assemblies 22 is substantially in their respective planes, specifically each plane is orthogonal to the axis M, and more specifically each plane is substantially horizontal. Has orientation.

More specifically, the forming ring assemblies 22 are separated from each other and parallel to each other (ie, their planes are parallel to each other and separated from each other).

Although not essential, preferably, each plane is orthogonal to axis M and axis L.

Further, the forming ring assembly 22 is arranged coaxially with each other and defines the longitudinal axis M of the tube forming unit 20.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the tube forming and sealing device 5 also includes a sealing unit adapted (configured) to seal the tube 3 longitudinally along the seam 21. In other words, the seam 21 formed by the tube forming unit 20 during use is sealed by activation of the sealing unit.

Although not required, preferably, the sealing unit is at least partially located within the isolation chamber 16.

It should be noted that the respective longitudinally sealed seams of the single package 2 are provided by cutting the tube 3. In other words, each seam of the single package 2 is a portion of the seam 21 of the tube 3.

Moreover, the sealing unit is located in the isolation chamber 16 and is adapted to transfer thermal energy onto the tube 3 to specifically seal the seam 21 longitudinally, specifically onto the seam 21 ( Consists of) sealed head 23. The sealed head 23 can be of any type. Specifically, the sealed head 23 is by using induction heating and / or by a stream of heated gas and / or by using ultrasonic waves and / or by laser heating and / or any other. It can consist of types that are actuated by means.

More specifically, the sealing head 23 is substantially located between the forming ring assemblies 22.

Although not required, preferably, the sealing unit is adapted to apply mechanical force onto the tube 3 on the seam 21 to ensure a longitudinal seal of the tube 3 along the seam 21. Also includes assemblies (only partially shown).

Specifically, the pressure assembly comprises at least interacting rollers and anti-interaction rollers (not shown) adapted to apply mechanical forces on the seam 21 from both sides thereof. Specifically, at the time of use, the seam portion 21 is sandwiched between the interaction roller and the anti-interaction roller.

Although not required, preferably, the interaction roller is supported by the forming ring assembly 22 downstream of the other forming ring assembly 22.

Specifically referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the filling device 7 is intended to store / provide a packaged injectable product, specifically a sterilized and / or sterilized injectable food product. Includes a fill pipe 24 that fluidly connects to an injectable product storage tank (not shown and is known as such), which is compatible with.

Specifically, the filling pipe 24 is adapted (configured) to direct the injectable product into the tube 3 in order to obtain the product column 8.

Although not required, preferably, the filling pipe 24 is at least partially placed in the tube 3 at the time of use in order to continuously feed the injectable product into the tube 3.

Specifically, the filling pipe 24 includes a main pipe portion 25 extending in the tube 3 parallel to the tube 3, i.e., parallel to the axis M and the axis L during use.

Although not required, preferably, at least a portion of the main pipe section 25 is configured to allow the injectable product to flow out of the main pipe section 25 and into the tube 3. Includes exit (not shown). Although not required, preferably one or more exits are arranged laterally.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, the package forming unit 19 has at least one working assembly 29 (only one is shown) and at least one counter-working assembly 30 (only one is shown). Multiple pairs (only one is shown) and
-Specifically, a transport device adapted to advance a pair of each actuating assembly 29 and each counter-actuated assembly 30 along each transport path (not shown and so known). ) And.

More specifically, each actuating assembly 29 is adapted to work with each counteracting assembly 30 in each pair in use to form each package 2 from tube 3. Specifically, each actuating assembly 29 and each anti-actuating assembly 30 is such that the tube 3 is shaped to form the package 2, sealed laterally, and optionally but preferably laterally cut. It is composed of.

More specifically, each actuating assembly 29 and each anti-actuating assembly 30 cooperate with each other to form their respective packages 2 from the tube 3 as they advance along their respective actuating parts of their respective transport paths. Is adapted to.

More specifically, each actuating assembly 29 and each anti-actuating assembly 30 comes into contact with the tube 3 as it advances along its respective actuating portion of its respective transport path, specifically a (fixed) hit. It is configured to start contacting the tube 3 at the position.

Although not required, preferably, the filling device 7 is a product that can be injected so that the extension of the product column 8 present in the tube 3 is less than 500 mm upstream (with respect to the path Q) from the hit position. Specifically, it is configured to be directed into the tube 3 through the filling pipe 24. Even more preferably, the extension of the injectable product column 8 is in the range of about 100 mm to 500 mm in the upstream direction from the hit position.

With reference to FIG. 2, the gas supply device 9 directs the sterilizing gas into the product column 8, specifically continuously, and is not essential but preferably the sterilizing gas in the gas cushion 10. It is configured to control the pressure and specifically compensate for the loss of sterilizing gas from the gas cushion 10.

Although not essential, preferably, the gas supply device 9 is configured to control the gas pressure of the sterilizing gas of the gas cushion 10 within a range of 5 kPa to 40 kPa, specifically 10 kPa to 30 kPa higher than the ambient pressure.

Although not required, preferably, the gas supply device 9 includes a gas supply tube 34 configured to direct the sterilizing gas into the product column 8 during use in order to form and / or maintain the gas cushion 10. Specifically, the gas supply tube 34 is configured to supply sterilizing gas during use in order to form and / or maintain the gas cushion 10.

More specifically, the gas supply tube 34 allows at least a portion extending into the tube 3 during use to allow sterilizing gas to flow into the product column 8 to form and / or maintain the gas cushion 10. Includes a first portion 35, configured in.

More specifically, the gas supply tube 34, specifically the first portion 35, is configured to extend through a portion of the product column 8, specifically the first portion 8a, during use. Includes an end face 36 having at least one outlet 37 to allow sterilizing gas to exit the gas supply tube 34 and enter the product column 8 to control the formation and maintenance of the gas cushion 10.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the outlet 37 is separated by a gas supply tube 34 and a filling pipe 24. Specifically, the outlet 37 has an annular shape.

Although not required, preferably, the gas supply device 9 includes a pressure and flow control assembly 38 configured to control the pressure and / or flow rate of the germicidal gas and fluidly coupled to the gas supply tube 34. Although not required, preferably, the pressure and flow control assembly 38 includes an (electronic) pressure regulator and / or an (electronic) flow regulator to control the pressure and flow rate of the sterilizing gas, respectively.

Although not essential, but even more preferably, the gas supply device 9 is a sterilizing gas source configured to provide a sterilizing gas, specifically a sterilizing inert gas, more specifically sterilizing nitrogen (not shown). Also includes. Specifically, the sterilizing gas source is fluid connected to the pressure and flow control assembly 38.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the gas supply device 9 also includes a pressure sensor 39 configured to determine and / or detect the pressure of the germicidal gas. Specifically, the pressure sensor 39 is arranged in the gas supply tube 34.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the packaging device 1, specifically the gas supply device 9, is configured to determine and / or detect the ascending level of the product column 8 in the tube 3, at least one level. Includes detection unit. Although not required, preferably, the level detection unit is located at the upstream junction of the product column 8, specifically the first portion 8a, from which the product column 8 extends downstream along the path Q in use. Ascend) configured to determine the level.

Specifically, at the time of use, the product column 8 extends from the upstream joint surface of the product column 8 to the laterally sealed portion of each package 2 formed.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the level detection unit is configured to determine a measure of the rise level relative to the base rise level.

More specifically, the level detection unit is configured to float on the product column 8, specifically the first portion 8a, and more specifically the region of the upstream junction surface, as well as the product floater 40. A sensor (not shown) that is located on the outside of the tube 3 during use and is configured to detect and / or determine (by a non-contact method) the height position of the product float 40 indicating the ascending level of the product column 8. )including.

More specifically, the product float 40 comprises a magnetic or ferromagnetic element and the sensor is configured to determine and / or detect a height position using electromagnetic interaction.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the packaging device 1 acts on the product column 8 such that the pressure of the auxiliary sterilizing gas is substantially the same as the pressure of the sterilizing gas in the gas cushion 10. Also includes an auxiliary sterilizing gas acting directly on the first portion 8a, specifically a pressurizing device 41 configured to control the auxiliary pressure of the sterilizing air. More specifically, the first portion 8a is sandwiched between the auxiliary sterilizing gas and the gas cushion 10.

More specifically, the pressurizing device 41 is configured such that the auxiliary sterilizing gas acts on the product column 8, specifically the region of the upstream junction surface of the first portion 8a.

Specifically, "substantially the same" in this context means that the pressure of the auxiliary sterilizing gas and the pressure of the sterilizing gas in the gas cushion 10 are between the auxiliary sterilizing gas and the gas cushion 10 acting on the product column 8. It should be noted that it means that only the hydrostatic pressure derived from the first portion 8a of the product column 8 sandwiched between the products is different. This ensures that the first portion 8a does not move (substantially) under any pressure difference (eg upwards).

It should be noted that the hydrostatic pressure is typically in the range of 500 Pa to 1500 Pa.

According to the preferred non-limiting embodiment disclosed, the packaging device 1 also includes a delimiter element 42 placed in the tube 3 at the time of use and, if not essential, preferably in the isolation chamber 16.

Specifically, the delimiter element 42 is designed to divide the tube 3 into a first space 43 and a second space 44 when in use, and the second space 44 divides the product column 8 into a product column 8 when in use. Containing with the gas cushion 10 formed and / or maintained within.

Specifically, the first portion 8a is sandwiched between the dividing element 42 and the gas cushion 10.

More specifically, the first space 43 is separated by a tube 3, specifically a wall of the tube 3, and a divider element 42. Moreover, the first space 43 opens to the internal environment 17 (and the sterilizing gas present in the first space 43 has substantially the same pressure as the sterilizing gas present in the internal environment 17). More specifically, the dividing element 42 divides the first space 43 in the area downstream of the first space 43 (relative to the path Q).

More specifically, the second space 44 is separated in use by a tube 3, specifically a wall of the tube 3, a divider element 42 and a lateral seal of each package 2 (formed).

In other words, the second space 44 extends from the dividing element 42 to the sealing portion in the direction parallel to the path Q (that is, parallel to the axis L).

In other words, the dividing element 42 divides the second space 44 in the upstream portion (relative to the path Q) of the second space 44, specifically, the upper region of the second space 44 itself, and the sealing portion. Separates the second space 44 in the downstream portion (relative to the path Q) of the second space 44, specifically the bottom region.

More specifically, the first space 43 is arranged upstream of the second space 44 along the tube forward path Q. More specifically, the first space 43 is arranged upstream of the dividing element 42 along the path Q, and the second space 44 is arranged downstream of the dividing element 42 along the path Q.

In the embodiment shown, the second space 44 is placed below the first space 43.

According to the preferred non-limiting embodiment disclosed, the pressurized device 41 is such that the auxiliary sterilizing gas acts on the product column 8 during use so that the flow of the auxiliary sterilizing gas separates the separating element 42 and the product column 8 during use. It is adapted (composed) towards, specifically, continuously, into the band of the second space 44 in between.

Although not essential, preferably, the first space 43 is (directly) fluid connected to the internal environment 17. Therefore, the sterilizing gas existing in the first space 43 can flow into the internal environment 17.

More specifically, the delimiter element 42 is placed along the path Q downstream of the above initial level when in use.

Moreover, upon use, the filling device 7, specifically the filling pipe 24, is adapted (configured) to direct the injectable product into the second space 44. In other words, the product column 8 is positioned in the second space 44.

Although not required, preferably, the divider element 42 provides at least one fluid channel 45, specifically having an annular shape in use, for fluid connection of the second space 44 with the first space 43. The auxiliary sterilizing gas leaks from the second space 44 into the first space 43 during use.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the divider element 42 is designed so that the tube 3 and the divider element 42 do not come into contact with each other. In other words, the radial extension of the dividing element 42 is smaller than the inner diameter extension of the tube 3.

Although not essential, preferably, the pressurizing device 41 comprises a closed sterilizing gas circulation that enters the second space 44 from the internal environment 17 and returns to the internal environment 17. Thereby, the entire configuration of the package device 1 can be simplified specifically with respect to the control and supply of the auxiliary sterilizing gas.

According to the preferred non-limiting embodiment disclosed, the pressurizing device 41 draws a sterilizing gas from the internal environment 17, pressurizes (compresses) the auxiliary sterilizing gas, and pressurizes (compresses) the auxiliary sterilizing gas. Is configured to point into the second space 44.

Although not essential, preferably, the pressurizing device 41 is at least
-One pump device configured to draw sterilizing gas from the internal environment 17, pressurize (compress) the sterilizing gas, and direct the pressurized sterilizing gas into the second space 44 as an auxiliary sterilizing gas. 47 and
-Includes one control unit 48 configured to control the operation of the pump device 47.

Although not essential, preferably, the pressurizing device 41 includes a gas supply pipe 49 that is at least fluidly coupled to the second space 44 in order to direct the auxiliary sterilizing gas into the second space 44.

More specifically, at least a portion of the gas supply pipe 49 is in the tube 3 during use, specifically parallel to the main pipe portion 25 and / or the first portion 35, and more specifically coaxially. It is postponed.

In the embodiment shown, the filling pipe 24 extends at least in part within the gas supply pipe 49. Alternatively, the gas supply pipe 49 can extend at least in part within the filling pipe 24.

Although not essential, preferably, the gas supply pipe 49 and the gas supply tube 34, specifically the first portion 35, define an annular guide tube 51 for feeding the auxiliary sterilizing gas into the second space 44. /punctuate. Specifically, the annular guide tube 51 is separated by a part of the inner surface of the gas supply pipe 49 and a part of the outer surface of the gas supply tube 34.

Although not required, preferably, the divider element 42 is detachably connected to at least a portion of the filling pipe 24 and / or the gas supply pipe 49 and / or the gas supply tube 34, specifically in a floating manner. Specifically, the floating approach means that the divider element 42 is adapted to move (slightly) parallel to at least axis M (and axis L). In other words, the divider element 42 is adapted to move (slightly) parallel to the tube 3 advancing in use.

Upon use, the packaging device 1 forms a package 2 filled with an injectable product. Specifically, the packaging device 1 forms the package 2 from the tube 3 formed from the web 4, and the tube 3 is continuously filled with an injectable product.

More specifically, the operation of the package device 1 is at least
-Steps to form tube 3 from web 4 and
-The step of sealing the tube 3 longitudinally along the seam 21, specifically,
-The step of filling the tube 3 with an injectable product to form the product column 8 in the tube 3.
-Sterilizing gas, specifically sterilizing inert gas, more specifically to form the gas cushion 10 in the product column 8 between the forming step, the longitudinal sealing step and the filling step. Steps to direct the sterile nitrogen into the product column 8
including.

Although not essential, preferably, the operation of the package device 1 is at least
-A step of advancing the web 4 along the path P, specifically from the host station 15 to the tube forming station 6.
-Includes the step of advancing the tube 3 along the path Q.

Although not required, preferably, the operation of the packaging device 1 also includes at least the steps of forming the package, during which the package 2 specifically forms the tubes 3 (each (bottom) portion). It is formed from the tube 3 by laterally sealing and preferably cutting the tube 3.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the operation of the packaging device 1 also includes the step of sterilizing the web 4 specifically using physical and / or chemical sterilization.

More specifically, during the step of directing the sterilizing gas, the gas supply device 9 directs the sterilizing gas into the product column 8 to form and / or maintain the gas cushion 10, and the pressure is from 5 kPa above the ambient pressure. The pressure of the sterilizing gas in the gas cushion 10 is controlled so as to be in the range of 40 kPa, specifically 10 kPa to 30 kPa.

More specifically, during the step of directing the sterilizing gas, the sterilizing gas is directed into the gas cushion 10 to form and / or maintain the gas cushion 10 through the gas supply tube 34.

Although not required, preferably, the pressure and / or flow rate of the germicidal gas is controlled by the pressure and flow control assembly 38.

Specifically, the pressure and flow control assembly 38 provides and pressurizes the sterilizing gas and directs the sterilizing gas into the product column 8 to form and / or maintain the gas cushion 10.

More specifically, the sterilizing gas flows from the pressure and flow control assembly 38 through the gas supply tube 34, out of the outlet 37 and into the product column 8 to form and / or maintain the gas cushion 10.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the operation of the packaging device 1 also includes the step of determining and / or detecting the ascending level of the product column 8 in the tube 3, specifically using a level detecting unit.

Although not required, preferably, the height position of the product float 40 indicating the level of the product column 8 is specified by the sensor of the level detection unit during the step of determining and / or detecting the ascending level of the product column 8. It is determined and / or detected using electromagnetic interaction.

According to a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the operation of the packaging device 1 also includes a step of controlling the pressure of the auxiliary sterilizing gas acting on the product column 8, during which the auxiliary sterilizing gas acts on the product column 8. ..

Specifically, during the step of controlling the pressure of the auxiliary sterilizing gas, the pressure of the auxiliary sterilizing gas is such that the pressure of the auxiliary sterilizing gas is substantially the same as the pressure of the sterilizing gas in the gas cushion 10. The pressure of the auxiliary sterilizing gas acting on the product column 8 and the pressure of the sterilizing gas in the gas cushion 10 differ only by the hydrostatic pressure of a part of the product existing between the auxiliary sterilizing gas and the gas cushion 10. It's just that).

Specifically, the pressurizing device 41 controls the pressure of the auxiliary sterilizing gas acting on the product column 8.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, during the step of controlling the pressure of the auxiliary sterilizing gas, the auxiliary sterilizing gas is second between the separating element 42 and the product column 8 so as to apply pressure to the product column 8. Directed into the band of space 43 of.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the sterilizing gas is drawn from the isolation chamber 16, specifically from the internal environment 17, and pressurized (compressed) during the step of controlling the pressure of the auxiliary sterilizing gas. It is then directed into the second space 44, specifically continuously.

More specifically, the pressurizing device 41 extracts the sterilizing gas existing in the isolation chamber 16 from the internal environment 17, pressurizes (compresses) the sterilizing gas, and uses the sterilizing gas as an auxiliary sterilizing gas. Direct into the band between the separator element 42 and the product column 8. Specifically, a part of the auxiliary sterilizing gas flows from the second space 44 through the fluid channel 45 into the first space 43.

More specifically, during the step of forming the tube 3, the web 4 is formed in the tube 3 in the isolation chamber 16.

Specifically, during the step of forming the tube 3, the web 4 is formed in the tube 3 and is longitudinally sealed along the seam 21.

More specifically, the forming step includes a sub-step in which a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge of the web 4 are gradually overlapped with each other to form the seam 21.

More specifically, during the gradual stacking substeps, the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge are driven by the advance of the web 4 along the path P and the action of forming the ring assembly 22. Can be stacked.

More specifically, during the step of longitudinally sealing the tube 3, the tube 3 is longitudinally sealed within the isolation chamber 16.

More specifically, during the step of longitudinally sealing the tube 3, the sealing head 23 heats the seam 21, and although not essential, preferably the pressure assembly is mechanical on the seam 21. Apply force.

The filling step comprises a sub-step of directing the injectable product through the filling pipe 24 into the second space 44. Specifically, the injectable product exits the main pipe portion 25 into the second space 44.

During the steps of forming the package, the package 2 is formed by the actuation of the package forming unit 19, which receives the tube 3 after the forming step. Specifically, during the steps of forming the package, the actuating assembly 29 and the anti-actuating assembly 30 advance along their respective transport paths. When the actuated assembly 31 and each anti-actuated assembly 32 advance along their respective actuating parts, the actuating assembly 31 and each anti-actuating assembly 32 shape and laterally advance the tube 3 to form the package 2. Seal in the direction and cooperate with each other to cut, if not essential, preferably laterally. During the steps of forming the package, the injectable product is continuously directed into the second space 44 to acquire the filled package 2.

The advantages of the packaging device 1 according to the present invention will be clarified from the above.

Specifically, the formation and / or maintenance of the gas cushion 10 within the product column 8 is the extension of the injectable product column to obtain the hydrostatic pressure required to accurately form the package 2. Replaces action. This can reduce the extension, specifically the vertical extension of the isolation chamber 16. It also facilitates the work required during the maintenance and / or sterilization and / or cleaning process and / or changing the format of the package produced.

A further advantage is that the first portion 8a of the product column 8 can act as a seal against the sterilizing gas in the cushion 10 to reduce the loss of the sterilizing gas and reduce the consumption of the total sterilizing gas. be.

However, modifications may be made to the packaging device 1 as described herein without apparently departing from the scope of protection as defined in the appended claims.

In an alternative embodiment not shown, the pressurizing device 41 adds at least a portion of the isolation chamber 16 so that the auxiliary sterilizing gas defined by the sterilizing gas present in the isolation chamber 16 acts on the product column 8. It is configured to press. In such an alternative embodiment, the packaging device 1 should not include the delimiter element 42.

In a further alternative embodiment not shown, the filling pipe 24 and the gas supply tube 34 and / or the gas supply pipe 49 can be disposed apart from each other.

In other alternative embodiments not shown, the divider element can be designed to abut the inner surface of the tube 3 during use.

Claims (15)

A method for forming a sealed package (2) filled with an injectable product, at least
-The step of forming the tube (3) from the web (4) of the packaging material,
-A step of filling the tube (3) with the injectable product in order to form a product column (8) in the tube (3).
-Sterilizing gas is directed into the product column (8) between the forming step and the filling step in order to form and / or maintain the gas cushion (10) in the product column (8). Steps and
Including, how. The method of claim 1, wherein during the directed step, the pressure of the sterilizing gas in the gas cushion (10) is controlled to be 5 kPa to 40 kPa, specifically 10 kPa to 30 kPa higher than the ambient pressure. It further comprises a step of controlling the pressure of the auxiliary sterilizing gas acting on at least the product column (8).
The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressure of the auxiliary sterilizing gas is controlled to be substantially the same as the pressure of the sterilizing gas in the gas cushion (10). Upon use, the divider element (42) is placed within the tube (3) and is designed to divide the tube (3) into a first space (43) and a second space (44).
The second space (44) contains the product column (8), and during the step of controlling the pressure of the auxiliary sterilizing gas, the auxiliary sterilizing gas is the separating element (42) and the product. The method of claim 3, wherein the second space (44) is directed into the band to and from the column (8). -A step of advancing the web (4) of the package material to a tube forming station (6) in which the web (4) of the package material is formed in the tube (3).
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising at least a step of advancing the tube (3) along the tube advancing path (Q). Any of claims 1-5, during the forming step, the web (4) of the packaging material advances in an isolation chamber (16) that separates the internal environment (17) from the external environment (18). The method described in paragraph 1. 13. the method of. A packaging device (1) for forming a sealed package (2) filled with an injectable product, at least-forming a tube (3) from a web (4) of packaging material and said tube. A tube forming and sealing device (5) configured to seal (3) in the longitudinal direction, and
-A filling device (7) adapted to direct an injectable product into the tube (3) in order to obtain a product column (8) in the tube (3).
-Sterilizing gas is applied to the product during operation of the tube forming and sealing device (5) and the filling device so that the gas cushion (10) is formed and / or maintained in the product column (8) during use. A packaging device comprising a gas supply device (9) configured to direct into the column (8). The gas supply device (9) is configured to control the gas pressure of the sterilizing gas of the gas cushion (10) in a range of 5 kPa to 40 kPa, specifically, 10 kPa to 30 kPa higher than the ambient pressure. 8. The package device according to 8. The gas supply device (9) is in the tube (3) during use to direct the sterilizing gas into the product column (8) in order to form and / or maintain the gas cushion (10). The packaging device of claim 8 or 9, comprising a gas supply tube (34) having at least a partially extending portion of the device. The gas supply tube (34) is configured to extend through a portion of the product column (8) during use and to form and / or maintain the gas cushion (10). 10. The packaging device of claim 10, comprising an end (36) having an outlet (37) for allowing the gas supply tube (9) to exit the gas supply tube (9) and enter the product column (8). The auxiliary pressure of the auxiliary sterilizing gas acting on the product column (8) so that the auxiliary pressure of the auxiliary sterilizing gas is substantially the same as the pressure of the sterilizing gas in the gas cushion (10). The packaging device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, further comprising at least a pressurizing device (41) configured to control. Further comprising a delimiter element (42) disposed within the tube (3) during use to divide the tube (3) into a first space (43) and a second space (44).
The second space (44) includes the product column (8).
The pressurizing device (41) is configured to direct the auxiliary sterilizing gas into the band of the second space (44) between the dividing element (42) and the product column (8). , The packaging device according to claim 12. It further includes an isolation room (16) that separates the internal environment (17) from the external environment (18).
At least a portion of the tube forming and sealing device (5) is such that the tube forming and sealing device (5) forms and seals the tube (3) in the isolation chamber (16) during use. The packaging device according to any one of claims 8 to 13, which is arranged in the isolation chamber (16). 8-14, further comprising at least one package forming unit (19) configured to form and laterally seal the tube (3) to form the package (2). The package device according to any one of the above.

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